Top Causes of Large Truck Accidents in the United States

Posted on November 11, 2022 by admin

As anyone who has driven on a highway knows, large trucks can be dangerous. Trucks like big rigs, semi-trucks, boom trucks, delivery trucks, box trucks, semi-trailers, and similar commercial vehicles are often involved in serious accidents that can cause injuries and deaths. But just how common are large truck accidents in the United States? According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were nearly 4,000 fatal large truck accidents in the U.S. in 2018. This is a slight decrease from the previous year, but it is still a significant number.

There are several factors that can contribute to large truck accidents, such as driver fatigue, distracted driving, and improper maintenance of the vehicle. When these accidents do occur, they can be devastating not only for the people involved, but also for their families. If you or someone you know has been involved in a large truck accident, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. An experienced Indiana truck accident attorney can help you get the compensation you deserve.

In the meantime, continue below to learn more about the leading causes of big truck accidents in the United States, plus how to get started on your personal injury claim today.

Call 317-881-2700 to Speak With a Large Truck Accident Lawyer in Indianapolis, IN.

National Trucking Regulations

As the trucking industry continues to grow, so do the regulations that commercial truck drivers must follow. Whether a new truck driver or an experienced one, it’s important for all truck drivers to stay up-to-date on the latest rules and regulations. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for setting and enforcing the regulations that truckers and their employers must follow. Some of the most important regulations that large truck operators must adhere to include hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and driver qualification requirements. Not following the regulations can result in serious penalties, including fines and suspension of their commercial driver’s license.

Commercial truck violations are one of the leading causes of accidents on our nation’s roads. Unfortunately, these accidents often result in serious injuries or death. As we pointed out earlier, commercial trucks are subject to strict regulations, and when these regulations are violated, it can result in a dangerous situation for other motorists.

Some of the most common commercial truck violations that can lead to accidents include:

▶ Speeding: Commercial trucks are often required to travel at lower speeds than passenger vehicles. When a truck driver exceeds the posted speed limit, it can put other motorists at severe risk given how long it takes for heavy vehicles to stop.

▶ Improper Lane Changes: Large trucks require a significant amount of space to safely change lanes. When a truck driver makes an improper lane change, it can result in a sideswipe accident or even a head-on collision.

▶ Following Too Closely: Commercial trucks need a greater distance to stop than passenger vehicles. When a truck driver tailgates another vehicle, it increases the risk of a rear-end collision.

If you have been involved in an accident with a commercial truck in Indiana, it is vital to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Trucking companies and their insurance carriers will often try to minimize their liability in these accidents. An experienced Indianapolis personal injury lawyer will fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

What Causes Trucking Accidents?

If you or someone you love has been injured in trucking accident, it is important to understand the potential causes of these accidents. Most large truck accidents are caused by human error. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, the leading causes of large truck accidents are:

▶ Driver Fatigue
▶ Speeding
▶ Reckless Driving
▶ Impaired Driving
▶ Distracted Driving

All of these factors can be attributed to human error. Truck drivers are under a lot of pressure from their employers to meet deadlines and may feel that they have to push the limits and sometimes go beyond the limits in order to do so. This can lead to dangerous decisions being made behind the wheel. Big trucks are much more likely to be involved in an accident than smaller vehicles. This is due to their size and weight, which can make them difficult to control. When two large trucks collide, the results can be catastrophic.

Indiana Truck Accident Victims Deserve Justice

If you have been involved in a large truck accident in Indianapolis, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. An experienced Indiana truck accident lawyer will be able to investigate the cause of the accident and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to speak with an experienced Indianapolis truck accident attorney, today. We offer free initial consultations over the phone, via video, or in person at our office. The sooner you call, the sooner we can start obtaining evidence critical to your case. We represent clients all throughout the state and Indiana residents injured in other states.

Recurrent Types of Commercial Trucker Safety Violations

Posted on September 13, 2022 by admin

Like any other driver on the road, commercial truck drivers are subject to being ticketed for traffic and safety violations. In more serious cases, commercial truckers are ordered to refrain from driving until such violations are addressed in accordance with local and state law.

It is important for law enforcement to hold industry truck drivers strictly accountable for violating safety protocols and regulations while operating a big rig or commercial truck because such trucks pose a higher level of threat to other vehicles, pedestrians, and properties; and not just due to their size, but also the quantity of momentum gained while operating at high speeds. Essentially, semi-trucks and similar commercial vehicles are like multi-ton missiles and tanks out on the road.

Continue below to learn more about the recurrent types of commercial trucker safety violations and better protect yourself from negligent trucker accidents.

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Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Regulation in the United States:

Although it is fairly common for commercial truckers to violate important traffic and safety codes on the road, there are systems in place to abate and create awareness for trucking safety. For instance, the Indiana State Police has an entirely separate department that is solely responsible for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) law enforcement.

Additionally, the United States trucking industry in whole is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA performs routine inspections on all trucking companies and operators in the country, plus aggressively seeks grievances and criticism about truck safety issues in local communities and cities. They also maintain an active website that offers a National Consumer Complaint Database portal for submitting complaints about unsafe truck drivers in your area.

If you have observed unsafe commercial truckers in your community, you can report your concerns free of charge to the FMCSA database, or you may contact 911 if you see a reckless driver or unsafe truck on the road.

Common Commercial Trucker Safety Violations to Watch Out For

The most common causes for truck accidents involves driver-error. One of the most frequent mistakes trucking companies make is setting unrealistic or arduous deadlines, causing truck driver fatigue, speeding and other short-cuts. Another cause for truck driver accidents involves improper training. When a trucking company fails to properly train their truck drivers through a professional trucking course, it can lead to dangerous driver errors that jeopardize the safety of the drive themselves, as well as others around them. Inadequate truck inspections, unbalanced cargo, overloaded cargo, hazardous chemical leaks, and lack of safety maintenance are other common reasons why commercial truckers cause accidents.

More specifically, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), commercial truckers and trucking companies in the United States are most often cited for the following types of safety violations:

◈ Speeding or Swerving Through Lanes
◈ Tailgating Behind Other Vehicles
◈ Changing Lanes Incorrectly or Unsafely
◈ Making Improper or Illegal Turns
◈ Failing to Yield to the Right of Way
◈ Violating Railroad Grade Crossings
◈ Disobeying Traffic Lights and Signs
◈ Reckless or Careless Driving
◈ Using a Handheld Phone While Driving
◈ Driving While Impaired

Were you or a loved one seriously injured in an accident caused by a negligent commercial truck driver in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 and schedule a free personal injury case evaluation to discuss your truck accident in Indianapolis, today. We represent clients all throughout the state of Indiana.

Should I Hire a Truck Accident Lawyer in Indiana?

Posted on June 20, 2022 by admin

Negligent trucking companies and commercial truck drivers can be held liable for damages in a motor vehicle accident. But without professional representation, bringing about a claim against them can pose several uphill challenges. If you were recently injured in an accident that was caused by a trucker, you need the guidance of a skilled and seasoned law firm.

Continue reading to learn what an Indiana truck accident lawyer can do for you, plus how to get started on your claim.

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Commercial Trucking Accidents and Damages

Commercial and large-fleet truckers can cause a serious amount of damage with their rigs. Other cars, even SUVs and conventional 4×4 trucks, don’t stand a chance against the massive-sized semis, 18-wheelers, boom trucks, recycling trucks, cement trucks, dump trucks, box trucks, roll off trucks, and wide-load trailer trucks on the road. Not only do these common large commercial trucks weigh around 25 times more than the average vehicle, but they can also carry dangerous freights, like highly combustible materials or industrial waste. Combined with high speeds, the results are known to be devastating, and many times, fatal.

Because of these factors, the amount of damage that results in negligent trucking accidents can tend to be more severe than standard auto collisions. So, when an innocent victim is injured or killed in a negligent trucking accident, they deserve justice. A personal injury lawyer who specializes in Indiana truck accidents can be the essential resource in obtaining the maximum settlement or verdict for your case.

Should you hire a truck accident lawyer? Yes, and here’s why:

They Know State and Federal Trucking Laws

A personal injury truck accident lawyer has a comprehensive understanding of the specific state and federal trucking laws and regulations, including those surrounding commercial drivers’ licenses (CDLs), drivers’ training and testing, drug and alcohol screening, maximum truck weights, maximum load weights, and truck maintenance guidelines.

They Will Determine Which Party or Parties are to Blame

A personal injury lawyer in Indianapolis will determine which party is to blame for your trucking accident. In commercial truck accident cases, it is possible, and often typical, to have more than one defendant. An attorney will examine and organize every detail of your case, and ultimately prove which party or parties are at-fault for your accident.

They Will Optimize the Discovery Process for You

The discovery process is the stage of a legal case in which both parties exchange all relevant case information in full disclosure, including documents, statements, admissions, and facts. Your Indiana truck accident attorney will have the skills to use the discovery process to your full benefit. Not only will they take advantage of discovery phase-specific tools like depositions, interrogatories, and requests for admission, they will use these tools to get the facts needed to win your case.

They Will Navigate All Settlement Negotiations

Most personal injury cases are settled before ever going to trial. Your Indianapolis truck accident lawyer can handle the settlement negotiations on your behalf and obtain the maximum settlement you deserve, all while avoiding a lengthy trial. They will let you know when to accept a settlement offer and when an offer is too low.

If you or a loved one was recently injured/killed in a car accident caused by a large truck or semi, learn your rights to pursing compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death claim. Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced truck accident lawyers in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients throughout the state of Indiana, and can meet over phone, video, or in-person at our Indy-based office and even at your home or the hospital if necessary. It is vital to obtain an attorney right away because the evidence needs to be obtained immediately.

Most Common Auto Accident Injuries and What Causes Them

Posted on February 22, 2022 by admin

In 2019 alone, statistics revealed that there were an estimated 230 million licensed drivers in our country. With so many people driving a wide array of motor vehicles on the road, car crashes are bound to happen, and some of them are very serious and deadly.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a 2020 report suggests that the average motor vehicle weighs 4,156 pounds. Larger-than-average vehicles are even heavier, and when coupled with high speeds, are essentially the equivalent of a deadly weapon. As a result, car accidents tend to cause a lot of damage, both property damage and bodily injury, and in worst-case scenarios, fatalities.

Continue reading to learn the common kinds of auto accident injuries, what causes them, and how to verify your eligibility to pursue legal action against a wrongful driver or automaker.

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Typical Causes of Traffic Accidents and Fatalities

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in the year 2018, more than 2.7 million car crashes occurred, 36,000 of which resulted in a fatality. This devastating statistic shows how real the risks are when it comes to accidents involving motor vehicles. The most common causes of car accidents include reckless driving, distracted driving, intoxicated driving, and speeding.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a serious cause of motor vehicle accidents and car crashes in the United States, and even all across the world. Common examples include texting, making phone calls, changing the GPS settings, applying makeup, looking through briefcases/purses, grabbing items from the backseat, and similar behaviors that take drivers’ eyes off the road for more than a second. Fatigued driving is another common type of distracted driving but may also be categorized as reckless driving depending on the circumstances.

Reckless Driving

Reckless driving is considered a more serious offense because it is typically a conscious choice. Those who drive recklessly are generally aware that their behavior is reckless or negligent. Common examples of reckless driving include speeding, running red lights, changing lanes abruptly without using signals, cutting off other drivers, driving with no hands on the steering wheel, driving at night without headlights on, tailing other cars, driving over sidewalks, ignoring traffic signs and signals, and similar careless behaviors.

Intoxicated Driving

Intoxicated driving is illegal and can lead to both criminal and civil penalties. Furthermore, intoxicated driving refers to driving under the influence of alcohol, illicit drugs, or controlled substances. Drunk drivers have a blood alcohol level (BAC) of 0.08 or higher. Driving under the influence of drugs like marijuana, methamphetamines, opiates, and hallucinogens is also considered intoxicated driving. Controlled substances are OTC and prescribed medications like prescription pain killers, sleeping pills, anxiety medications, and similar medicines that cause drowsiness and/or inebriation.

Speeding

Speeding can also be considered a form of reckless driving. It is a top cause of serious car accidents and fatalities. In fact, the National Safety Council reports that 26% of the total traffic fatalities occurring in 2018 involved speeding. Speed limits are set because they are the safest speed to operate a vehicle while remaining in full control. At higher speeds, driver control is significantly reduced, which can lead to serious auto collisions.

Common Auto Accident Injuries

Although every motor vehicle collision is different, most car crashes tend to result in the similar of injuries. The most common auto accident injuries include whiplash, as well as injuries to the head, chest, arms, and legs.

Whiplash is by far the most common resulting car accident injury. Collisions tend to cause the neck and head to whip forward and backward and side to side very quickly. The severity of whiplash can vary on a spectrum from minor injuries, like stiffness or soreness of the neck and headache, to more serious and concerning injuries, like significant neck pain, permanent neck pain, dizziness, tinnitus, migraines, loss of vision, back pain, and neck injuries.

Head injuries are unfortunately common when it comes to serious car accidents. Head injuries can range from minor to major. Minor head injuries caused by car accidents may include headaches, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivities, although these can be more serious depending on how long the symptoms last. More serious car accident head injuries include concussion, loss of consciousness, traumatic brain injuries, impaired thinking, loss of movement control, and loss of sensations.

Injuries to the chest, arms, and legs are another common result of auto accidents. Chests are often impacted by air bag deployment, which can lead to minor injuries like burns, bruises, or soreness, again, depending on how long the symptoms last. Chests of drivers and passengers can also be injured by blunt force trauma from an impact with another vehicle or structure. More serious chest injuries include broken ribs, lung punctures, organ ruptures, and other internal injuries or bleeding. Arms and legs can be severely burned, maimed, disfigured, or severed in serious car crashes. Orthopedic injuries, like shoulder and pelvic injuries, are also common in car accidents.

Are you a victim of a reckless or negligent car accident in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a no-risk, no-fee personal injury consultation with an experienced car accident attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We also represent injured persons throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

Local Indianapolis Personal Injury Law Firm 317-881-2700 — Schedule a Free Consultation!

Where to Get Legal Help After Being Injured in an Indiana Trucking Accident

Posted on January 25, 2022 by admin

Were you or your loved one wrongfully injured in an Indiana trucking accident within the last two years? If so, you likely still have time to take legal action against the negligent party who caused your subsequent injuries and losses. With the right legal counsel by your side, you could recover a settlement for your hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages, lost benefits, pain and suffering and more.

Not sure where to begin? Not to worry; these times are challenging enough for you. Enlist the help of seasoned professionals to protect your best interests and overall quality of life after a serious loss or traumatic experience.

Continue below to learn exactly which personal injury law firm you can trust to obtain the maximum amount of compensation for your damages and losses after a serious large truck accident in Indiana.

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Large Trucking Accidents in Indiana

Trucking accidents that cause injuries to other drivers on the road are not so rare. Here in Indiana, more than 100 people have died in a motor vehicle accident involving a large truck for the past 7 years. In 2019, 125 Hoosiers were laid to rest after a trucking accident. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that in Indiana that same year, 2,210 vehicles were in a fatal collision. Of those vehicles, 149 of them were large trucks.

Because large trucks are significantly heavier and bigger in size compared to other vehicles on the road, the amount of damage they can do in an accident can be extreme. Most fatalities in large truck accidents occur to other drivers involved, not the truckers or truck passengers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), recently, in a period of 12 months, there were 3,964 large truck accident victims who died, nationwide. Out of those 3,964 victims, only 17% were the driver or occupant of the large truck.

How an Indiana Injury Lawyer Can Help Truck Accident Victims

Common causes for large truck accidents include speeding, improper cargo loading, distracted driving, poor truck maintenance, truck malfunctions as a result of negligent maintenance, inadequate training, unqualified truckers, drug use, illegal driving maneuvers, and roadway problems. A seasoned personal injury lawyer well-versed in large truck accidents can demonstrate a trucker or trucking company’s negligence, prove your damages, and recover the maximum settlement or verdict for your case.

Indianapolis Truck Accident Lawyers You Can Trust

Here at the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C., we have worked with numerous trucking accident victims, including accident survivors themselves and the bereaved of those who lost their lives in a truck accident. We can prove and substantiate your trucking accident case in Indiana based on empirical evidence and cold, hard facts.

Our Indianapolis truck accident lawyers have the proven legal strategies to ensure you are protected against financial liability. Whether you are a seriously-injured survivor or the surviving family of a truck accident victim, you deserve justice in the form of full and fair compensation. The most important priority right now is to act fast.

Schedule a case evaluation with our office as soon as possible before time runs out and evidence is lost to support your claim. We can hold meetings and consultations over the phone, via online video conference (Skype, Zoom, etc.), or in person at our Indianapolis-based office. All first consultations are free and we never charge anyone unless we win a verdict or settlement.

Are you ready to get started on your financial justice after being victimized in a serious trucking accident in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with an experienced truck accident attorney in Indianapolis, Indiana. We represent clients throughout the State of Indiana.

Evidence That Can Be Used in a Personal Injury Car Accident Claim

Posted on January 18, 2022 by admin

Serious car accidents generate serious damages and losses for wrongfully injured victims. Factors like hospital bills, medical expenses, and missed work can leave a car accident survivor drowning in out-of-pocket costs and payment responsibilities. Managing post-accident debt or financial struggles while physically and emotionally suffering and recovering from injuries makes the legal process even more stressful and confusing for car accident victims.

Sadly, car accident victims must fight for their rights to being fully compensated by the at-fault driver’s insurance company, especially since insurance companies always fight to pay out as little as possible. In order to do so, they will have to prove their losses by providing evidence to support their claim.

Continue reading to learn some examples of evidence that can be used in a personal injury car accident claim, plus how to ensure your case is successful.

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Personal Injury Evidence for Car Accidents

When it comes to recovering a settlement for your damages and losses after being injured in a car accident that was not your fault, it is important to understand that you, the claimant, hold the burden of proof. This means you are responsible for proving the extent of your damages and losses, including your medical bills, related medical expenses, missed paychecks at work, and so forth.

Although some of these are evidence in and of themselves, there are other types of evidence you will need to gather and have available for your Indiana car accident lawyer in order to prove your personal injuries and recover a settlement that is appropriate for your claim. It is vital to hire a skilled and qualified personal injury law firm to represent your case. They will have the knowledge and resources to gather all available kinds of evidence relevant to your case and recover the full and fair settlement you deserve for your damages and losses.

Approved Forms of Car Accident Evidence

Personal injury evidence that works well to support a victim’s claim are tangible, certified, quantifiable, and official. These can be things like records, documents, videos, photos, witness statements, interrogatories, depositions, and more.

Police Reports

In a recent blog, we discussed the importance of always making a police report after car accident. A police report is one of the most useful types of personal injury evidence because it is written objectively by a trusted and qualified authority. It helps to prove fault in a car accident, plus confirm other details of an accident that are pertinent to an injured victim’s personal injury claim. Police reports and car accident reports are important records to have in a personal injury case, regardless of which side you are on.

Medical Records and Payment Receipts

Along with police and car accident reports, more critically important types of personal injury evidence to organize and gather for your case are medical records and medical payment receipts. Not only do you need to prove that your injuries are legitimate, and you’ve been taking the responsible actions to have your injuries treated by certified medical professionals, but you also want to demonstrate that you been paying out-of-pocket for your medical expenses and hospital bills. Your medical payment receipts will be a quantifiable catalog of evidence that you can apply to your case to prove your damages.

Videos and Photographs

Scene of the accident evidence is also important in a personal injury car accident case. Videos and photographs of the surrounding road and landscaping, street signs, property damages, vehicular damage, physical and visible injuries, and anything else related can be useful for proving an injured victim’s car accident claim. Another type of video evidence commonly used in personal injury car accident cases is surveillance video. Local gas stations, retail stores, shopping centers, and office buildings that are equipped with 24 hour surveillance can catch accidents in live action.

Injury and Property Damage Documentation

As just described, documentation of the scene of the accident is important evidence to have a personal injury car accident case. Injury documentation can include pictures and videos of your physical injuries or related struggles, as well as your medical records and hospital bills. Property damage documentation will include police report, pictures of vehicular damage, and appraisals for repair or replacement of the damaged vehicle.

Eyewitness Testimonies

Another type of personal injury car accident evidence is eyewitness testimony. Therefore, it’s important to gather contact information from onlookers who saw your car accident. This includes their name, address, phone number, email address, and if willing, even their place of employment. Witnesses can provide testimony to support your damages and losses following a wrongful car accident. Expert witnesses, like accident reconstruction specialists, engineers, physicians, and similar professionals, may also be asked for their testimonies. Your lawyer will determine if expert witnesses are necessary for your claim.

Interrogatories and Depositions

Personal injury witness testimony does not always stop at eyewitnesses and reconstruction specialists. In some car accident cases, lawyers will use interrogatories to get information, truthful information under oath, from the other driver in the accident. This is considered a type of witness testimony used as evidence in a personal injury car accident case. Depositions are another form of out-of-court testimony approved as reliable evidence in an accident case. They are given under oath, plus recorded by a court transcriber.

Talk to a Personal Injury Lawyer in Indiana

Keep in mind that every personal injury case is different, and not all forms of car accident evidence will be approved as proof of a claimant’s damages. Again, this is why it’s important to have a seasoned Indiana car accident lawyer working your case; they know exactly how to identify the best types of personal injury evidence for a victim’s claim and apply it to the best of their benefit.

Are you an injured victim of a wrongful car accident in Indiana? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to schedule a no-risk, no-fee personal injury consultation with a skilled car accident attorney and discuss your rights to pursue legal action against the at-fault driver. We represent clients all throughout the state, and there is no need to travel. We can hold consults over the phone or via online video conference.

Who Do I Sue After Being Injured By a Semi-Truck?

Posted on November 30, 2021 by admin

Big truck accidents are far too common. Not only do they happen quickly, they also tend to result in severe property damages and bodily injuries. If you have been seriously injured in a car accident because of a negligent semi-truck driver or trucking company, protect your rights to a full and fair financial recovery by speaking with a large truck accident lawyer in Indianapolis as soon as possible. They can help you understand truck accident liability and determine the best approach to recovering the maximum settlement for your damages.

Continue reading to learn some facts about truck accidents, including who is usually liable and how to get started on your Indiana injury claim.

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Truck Accident Liability in Indiana

In most cases of motor vehicle collisions caused by large trucks, such as semis and Landolls, the trucking company is liable for the injured victim’s damages and losses. Most large truck drivers and operators are employees who work for a trucking company, but some are independent contractors known as owner operators. Either way, if a truck driver is negligent and their negligence causes a car crash that harms the driver and/or passengers, the trucker and their employer will be held legally responsible. In any event, any settlement or verdict would be paid by the defendant’s insurance carrier.

Thanks to a doctrine known as respondeat superior, all employers are accountable for their employee’s negligence. So, if a negligent truck driver causes a serious accident, the trucking company they work for would be sued, and the trucking company’s insurance plan would pay the settlement to the victim or victims.

But what about owner operators; you ask? Well, thanks to Federal regulations, all trucking companies are responsible for their employee’s negligent acts, even if they are contracted out. So, if an independent trucker is hired to carry and transport a load for a trucking company, the trucking company would be liable in the case of a negligence act or accident.

Warning to All Truck Accident Victims

If you or your loved one was recently injured in a car crash that was caused by a negligent or careless trucker, it is critical to understand that the trucking company’s insurance carrier is not your friend. Their primary role is to pay as little as possible to accident survivors.

For this reason, it is vital to hire a specialized personal injury lawyer to represent your trucking company accident claim in Indiana. Act now, however, before evidence is lost to support your claim, or time runs out to file.

Not sure which personal injury law firm to trust with your financial recovery in Indiana? Skip the search and go straight to the esteemed and trusted professionals and associate legal teams at the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C.! Contact us at 317-881-2700 to schedule a free case evaluation with a seasoned truck accident lawyer, today. No need to travel, as we can hold meetings over the phone or via online video conferencing if needed.

Indianapolis Personal Injury Lawyers 317-881-2700 — Schedule a Free Consultation!

Why Should Employees Injured in Work-Related Car Accidents Hire a Lawyer?

Posted on August 10, 2021 by admin

In last week’s blog, we discussed some of the most frequently asked questions about work-related car accidents, including various facts about workers’ compensation benefits, third-party claims, and hiring a car accident lawyer to represent injured people in such cases. In today’s blog, continue reading to learn how a skilled and specialized personal injury lawyer can protect wrongfully injured car accident victims by recovering the full and fair compensation they deserve for their damages and losses.

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Work-Related Car Accident Injuries and Claims

There are several reasons why an injured employee who is hurt and work-related car accident should hire personal injury lawyer. Here are some scenarios to demonstrate the importance of retaining proper legal representation after being injured in a car accident while performing work-related duties:

Employers or their insurance carriers may try to establish that an employee’s car accident wasn’t work-related and attempt to reject their workers’ compensation claim. If this were to happen, an employee would need a skilled litigator to fight for their rights to compensation by proving their case.

In the case that an employee’s workers’ compensation claim is approved, the employer’s insurance company may try to reduce the benefits of the claim or change the benefits in a way that negatively impacts the employee. For instance, the employer’s insurance company can have the worker compensation doctor the insurance carrier chose issue an opinion that an employee has reached maximum medical improvement and require them to return to work before they are actually capable; or the doctor chosen by the worker compensation carrier may issue a lower permanent partial impairment rating than should be issued. It is very important to understand that in most work-related automobile collisions, it is the worker compensation carrier and not the patient who chooses who the treating doctor is.

Numerous work-related car accidents involve third parties who may also be held accountable for any damages and losses suffered by an injured employee. Third-party claims are not handled by an employee’s insurance company or employer. An employee would be responsible for hiring their own lawyer to pursue any third party claims and they absolutely should.

An experienced personal injury lawyer is an injured victim’s best chance at obtaining the most successful outcome possible in a car accident claim. Indiana civil litigators are well-versed in tort law and may be able to find other types of settlements to pursue outside of workers’ compensation.

Hiring a personal injury lawyer after being injured in a work-related car accident makes the entire legal process easier for victims. Lawyers will handle and navigate every element of your case so that you can focus solely on getting better.

Hire a Workers’ Compensation/Third-Party Liability Lawyer FAST

It is very common for injured workers to lose out on their possible benefits a because they do not hire an Indianapolis IN workers’ compensation lawyer fast enough. In order to have a successful recovery, employees who are injured in a work-related car accident must get their investigation started early; before evidence is lost that supports their claim. Not only can witnesses forget details and paperwork and get lost in the shuffle, but all states have a set period in which a wrongfully injured victim can pursue legal action against an at-fault party known as the statute of limitations.

Are you ready to speak with an expert workers’ compensation and third party liability lawyer who can begin investigating your claim right away? Contact the Law Office of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 and schedule a free consultation with a skilled Indiana workplace injury lawyer as soon as possible. We represent injured victims throughout the state of Indiana and Indiana residents injured in other states.

You Might Also Read:

Statute of Limitations for Common Personal Injury Claims
FAQS About Having to Go Back to Work After a Workplace Injury
Standard Workers’ Compensation Benefits You Can Expect

The Most Common Reasons Why Semi Truck Accidents Happen

Posted on November 6, 2020 by admin

Trucking companies are obligated by law to obey strict regulations and safety procedures to ensure the safety of their drivers and all other drivers on the road. Learn what happens after a trucking accident and who to turn to for help if injured by a truck driver on the road.

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Causes and Effects of Semi-Truck Accidents

The most common causes for truck accidents involves driver-error. One of the most frequent mistakes trucking companies make is setting unrealistic or arduous deadlines, causing truck driver fatigue. This can lead to accidents on the road because a sleepy driver cannot possibly remain alert enough to operate a 5 ton truck safely. Another cause for truck driver accidents involves improper training.

When a trucking company fails to properly train their truck drivers through a professional trucking course, it can lead to dangerous driver errors on the road, and put other drivers in danger as well. More causes of trucking accidents include speeding, distracted driving (i.e. eating, phone calls, text messages, etc.), inadequate truck inspections, unbalanced cargo, overloaded cargo, and lack of safety maintenance.

Trucking Company Tactics After an Accidents

When an innocent driver or pedestrian is injured by a truck driver on the road, there are certain actions that will take place immediately. These pieces of information are important to know if ever involved in such an accident. First, the trucking company will immediately send their attorneys, investigators, and insurance adjusters to the scene of the accident if possible or to you as soon as they can. They do this to collect statements, persuade you to not hire a lawyer, and to minimize your claim. Afterwards, trucking companies, or their insurance adjusters, will try to delay the claim as long as possible in hopes that the claimant becomes frustrated and gives up.

This is why it is vital to hire an Indiana personal injury attorney if you are ever hurt in a motor vehicle accident. Your personal injury lawyers will investigate and collect evidence: such as pictures, black box information, and more. They use this collection of evidence and information to reconstruct the accident to show what took place. They will further investigate by obtaining maintenance records on the truck, truck driver driving history, and more. They remain aggressive against adjusters trying to minimize your claim!

Indiana Large Truck Accident Lawyers Who Will Fight for a Full Settlement

Call the experienced personal injury lawyers of Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 if you or your loved one was recently injured in a large truck or semitruck accident in Indiana, call our licensed personal injury attorneys right away. There are statute of limitations in Indiana that regulate the amount of time a victim has to legally pursue compensation for a serious injury. When you need strong and successful legal representation following a serious car, large truck or semi accident, we are the trusted personal injury lawyers you need. Schedule a free initial consultation, today.

What to Do if You are in a Company Car Accident

Posted on September 22, 2020 by admin

Nothing interrupts a workday worse than wrecking the company vehicle. And when injuries are serious, it can interrupt the quality of your life as well. For this reason, it is important to be prepared. Knowing how to handle a car accident in your work vehicle will be helpful to your claim and recovery. Continue reading for tips on what to do if you are ever involved in one.

Indiana Car Accident and Workers' Compensation Lawyers — Indiana Car Accident and Workers’ Compensation Lawyers 317-881-2700

Tips for Driving a Company Vehicle

If you are frequently commuting back and forth in a company car all day long, it is important to be prepared for a car accident. With so much driving, the likelihood of being involved in a collision of some sort increases drastically. To prepare, keep a camera in your vehicle, along with your insurance information, pen, paper, and of course, your drivers’ license. These items will make your post-accident timeline much smoother, and will also allow you to record any evidence you need to support your insurance and/or injury claim. Evidence includes witness statements, witness contact information, other driver’s insurance and contact information, pictures of damages and the scene of the accident, and more.

Steps to Follow After a Company Car Accident

As soon as you are involved in a car accident in your company-issued vehicle, the first step is to seek medical attention right away. Once you are stable, you can continue on. If you are transported directly to a hospital for serious injuries, ask a police officer to help collect the information you need beforehand (if you can). If not, don’t worry about it; an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you gather all the evidence needed to support your case if need be.

If you are stable, then your next step is to check on the other people involved in the accident to see if they are okay. If they require medical treatment, step back and allow them to receive it. If they are stable, then you want to exchange insurance and contact information with them. It is also recommended to take a photo of their insurance card, license plate, and drivers’ license to ensure accuracy in case of clerical errors.

Next, use your phone or camera to take pictures and video of the scene of the accident, the vehicular damages, the road signs, stop lights, or other objects you think contributed to the accident. Also take pictures of any physical injuries you have on your body. Once you have visual evidence, look around to see if there were any witnesses to the accident. Ask them for their contact information if you need their statements during the claims process.

The last step is to hire an experienced Indianapolis personal injury attorney to help negotiate your car accident settlement in the case that you were seriously injured. They can help you recover the full and fair compensation you need to come back from your losses and damages, including hospital bills, medical expenses, lost wages from time off work, pain, suffering, and more.

Craven, Hoover, and Blazek Helps Injured Indiana Car Accident Victims

Call Craven, Hoover, and Blazek P.C. at 317-881-2700 to make a personal injury claim in Indianapolis, Indiana. Seasoned injury lawyers, Daniel Craven, Ralph Hoover, and Keith Blazek, all specialize in car accident injury claims and workers’ compensation claims, and have represented thousands of injured persons in Indiana. Our personal injury law firm offers free initial consultations to evaluate your eligibility to pursue legal action and collect compensation for your damages. Best of all, we never collect attorney fees unless we recover a settlement or verdict for you!